zany
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1za·ny

noun \ˈzā-nē\
plural zanies

Definition of ZANY

1
: a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : merry-andrew
2
: a slavish follower : toady
3
a : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others
b : nut, kook

Examples of ZANY

  1. <hired a zany to entertain the children at the birthday party>
  2. <one of the challenges of hosting a radio call-in program is preventing the zanies from completely taking over the discussion>

Origin of ZANY

Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dialect Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni John
First Known Use: 1588

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary

Rhymes with ZANY

2zany

adjective
za·ni·erza·ni·est

Definition of ZANY

1
: being or having the characteristics of a zany
2
: fantastically or absurdly ludicrous <a zany movie>
za·ni·ly \ˈzā-nə-lē\ adverb
za·ni·ness \ˈzā-nē-nəs\ noun

Examples of ZANY

  1. <a zany plan to drive cross-country on a motorized scooter>

First Known Use of ZANY

1609

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

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